Journal and letters of

HONEYMOON NOTES

Sept. 20, 1931 Henry, Nebr.

614 Lincoln Ave
Prescott, Ariz.
Dec 12, 1931

Dear Mama & all:

Was glad to hear from you yesterday. I hope you are feeling O.K. now. How is that other trouble? You don’t say how daddy is feeling, but I see he is able to wash dishes. ha ha!

Too bad Rivers’ mother is so sick; what is the trouble? I hope they will find something to relieve her. I know Rivers must be worried. Wish Elvin would call some evening and tell us how everyone is feeling.

Lester just got my stamp box & when I looked around he had stamps all over the floor. He climbed up on the table in the front room the other day.

We had about 4 inches more snow last night; it acts as if it will snow all winter.

I feel rather tired this morning; I overdid again. My kitchen was so dirty & it seems as if Aut had so little time to clean the floor that Thurs. about 4:30 I decided to do it & when I finished I had washed the mop boards & the cupboards & the windows too & all by hand. Do you wonder I was tired? Aut cleaned the bathroom & vacuumed the front room after he got home. Frances Wolfe came over for dinner yesterday; she had a holiday & so I told her to come over. She & Sam washed the dinner dishes while I rested. Then I had to straighten things up & plan a big dinner for night as I had invited Flo & her roommate. Sam & Frances took Lester along & went after Aut then they took Frances home & picked up Flo & Rose. Flo’s roommate’s name is Rose Haynes.

Lester has gotten the touring cards all over the table & just now he whistled isn’t he smart?

I just called Mrs. Nickerson, she sent her love & was so sorry they didn’t get to call on you. They planned on calling but had to attend to some business & had to wait to see Mr. Elmore so they missed calling on three different folks they had planned on seeing. They called on Mrs. Osburn yesterday said that stone was as big as two peas & all jagged [they are not smooth, you know] she said Mrs. O. was pleased with the cards. It is 10:00 & I must stop now and get to work after dinner.

Sam is practicing typing. Lester is asleep. Ola and Jimmie didn’t come today. May come next week so they wrote Mrs. Davis.

Our hill to the east of us is very popular lately someone up there sliding down until late at night. It is such a nice long, steep place and doesn’t interfere with the road any like Pleasant St. hill. Aut says as soon as we get a little money we’ll have a truck bring your stuff down. May have to wait until spring, if this snow keeps up.

Didn’t I tell you I saw Della on the street not long ago & she said she had to quit her job because it was too hard on her & she was staying at Velma’s quite a bit as they were living about 5 mile from here on someone’s ranch. She is at her house part of the time & would help me wash anytime she didn’t say for nothing though. Ruth is in Wyoming. I suppose with her father. Velma’s baby is pulling up to things now. Sam wants some bedroom slippers I heard him say, but I don’t think you can afford to buy us kids things; better save your money to buy eats. Sam is afraid he'll get a job here so he isn’t very crazy to come to Phoenix. I told him he might go down, but he got some work day before yesterday with the Power Co. & may get more. The snow broke the lines down & we were out of power about 4 hours in the night. They called Sam at 2:30 Thursday morn & he was gone until 2:30 Friday morn. He was surely tired & sore yesterday. He & Paul were together & they got their truck stuck & worked along time getting it out. Paul strained so hard that he is sick abed & thinks he has a hernia & will have to have an operation.

Dr. Tolle & mother are working on a quilt for Nickerson’s in fact the ladies are planning on piecing some heavy quilts for needy folks & Dr. called me the other morn & said they had a lot of light pieces wanted to know if I had any dark so I got out those you washed last summer & Frances Wolfe ripped them yesterday & took them home to press & I’m going after them pretty soon & take them to Dr. Tolle. I told them I’d furnish some dark outing for the lining & that would be my Xmas to Nickersons. We want to have it ready to tie at a meeting next Tuesday.

Chester Goldsborough was sick in bed with a cold about 3 days last week

The train gets into Prescott from Phoenix at 12:30 at night.

Yes! that plush would be pretty for Lester all right.

It is 2 o’clock & the postman just came. Aut actually put the chains on our car. I thought we should have them on but no! sir! he wasn’t going to put on chains until he had to. I guess he thot he might have to.

Lester is taking a long nap today & he needs it. He has been awfully cross lately & acts as if more teeth are on the way wants to bite everything. Love to all, Esther and family.

Postal card from Esther in Prescott, to Mrs. Joel Jackson, R # 1 Box 38a, Phoenix, Ariz.

PRESCOTT Aug 22 - AP - Sam Jackson, 28-year-old power company employee, was electrocuted at Poland Junction, south of here, today when a guy wire on which he was working broke and came in contact with a 44,000-volt line.

Jackson was unmarried. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joel E. Jackson; a sister, Mrs. Esther Lemay, of Prescott and a brother Elvin R. Jackson, Phoenix.

News of the death of Sam Jackson of Prescott, Ariz. came last week. The young man was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Jackson, former residents of Caldwell. The young man was line superintendent of a power line and met death when working on the line.

Winslow, Ariz Sept 7th 1932

My dear Mother & Father:

We rec’d your big letter this eve & the big surprise. I appreciate it & thank you, but it makes me feel sad too, should you send so much? I never expected any more than what Sam actually owed.

Poor Sam, but that is too late now & of course he would be willing to do all he could if he had been able.

Yes it is better to help the living than to wait until they are gone. And you know we would help you if at any time you needed it.

It seems I have the most unselfish parents in the he world. You've always done all you could for us & don’t feel as if you haven’t. You couldn’t help circumstances & we were all brought up right Education of books isn’t everything in life & we all know enough how to write our names, besides other words.

Rec’d a letter from McMullens today they say the water is so low there isn’t enough & what shall they do about it. There hasn’t been any rain since we left & the tank is nearly dry. We wrote them to fill the tank from Gipson's if they could & we’d take care of the bill this time. We may have to put in city water.

Lester says “thanks” for all the birdies.

We were over to Howells’ Monday eve. I stayed while Aut was seeing about the car. Mr. Howell went with him & they were down town so long, finally Mr. H. came back for his car & got Aut. They left our car in the garage. We brot our picnic supper in & all ate together at their house. They have 2 boys & a girl. The Kiddies were all over & played with Lester Saturday morn. The oldest one, a boy of 12, has been here yesterday eve & this eve. He plays quite well with Lester, but I think he is inclined to tease & I’m going to get after him as soon as I can catch him at it just right.

Winnie wrote a good newsy letter, she said her mother nearly passed out this spring. I’ll send the letter soon but want to get it answered.

Did you get word to Aunt Florence?

I couldn’t think who Lucius Johnson was for awhile, but I guess it is the Johnson who works at the gas plant. His wife is a good W.C.T.U. member & they are Methodists [South].

Flo writes a good letter doesn’t she?

Gladys is home yet, but trying to find a way or make a way to go to school. I’ll write her & ask her if she wants anything else. She said she had a date with Jesse Langdon one night while in Prescott

Lester talked & talked about Grandma this morn. He makes a noise with his lips sometimes & says “Sam” I ironed this morn & rested most of the afternoon.

A Christian Church woman called this morn; she is the Ladies’ Aid president, said they met this afternoon & she’d come after me, but I declined this time. She also said she was going to resign, said they weren’t dong anything & wanted to know if I’d take it. I said No! I’d gotten rid of one job & I wanted a rest. She is a friend of Mrs. Werner & she had called there last night & Mrs. Werner had told I was a good little church worker & they needed workers. I called on Alma yesterday morn, but she was so busy we didn’t visit any.

We never know who thinks of us do we? There were several sent flowers that I never thought of them as feeling that well acquainted.

Lester thinks he should have a “wide” in his wagon every day. Pal is better. I haven’t written to Maud yet or Flo -- but will get at it sometime soon.

Must stop for this time. Love to all. xxxx from Lester, Esther & Aut

P.S. Met Aut’s boss & wife downtown this eve. He knew them in Gallup. They are very pleasant & promised to call soon.

Winslow, Ariz Sept 11, 1932

Dear Daddy & Mama!

If mama has gone to Wickenburg you can send this letter on to her. I’ve thought for a long time mama, that you should see if a doctor could help you & hope you will get relief. I think that kind of trouble makes a person so nervous.

We rec’d letters from Mrs. Stull, Ida Hilbers, Elvin & McMullens yesterday. McMullens filled the tank for the Gibson's.

I sent Mrs. Stull the snapshot of us taken on Lester’s birthday. She thought you and I looked so good and our child is a pretty child. She expects Benion's to visit her before they leave the east.

Rec’d a sad letter from Flo. I shall try to answer it to comfort her if possible.

Ida sent her sincere sympathy to all of us--also Mrs. Stull.

We went to the Baptist church this morn. There were several who remembered Aut since he lived here 10 years ago & they asked if his father was still living as well as about the rest of the family. Mrs. Moore, the one whose husband is running for senator again was very friendly & she had read in the paper about Sam & asked if he was any relation of ours. Rivers is acquainted with Mr. Moore. They invited me to an all day meeting Wednesday at Taylor, a town about 65 miles from here, but I thanked them and declined.

The wind has blown some the last few days. Aut’s work isn’t nearly as trying as it was the last three weeks in Prescott. He didn’t have to work overtime the 1st nor hasn’t had to work Sat. afternoons nor Sundays any yet. I suspect if they should hit on the first or payday he would have to work.

I have another picture like the one I sent. I guess Lester & I will have to come down on the train & stay a few days when it gets cooler.

I wonder how Mrs. McC. addressed her letter. I suppose she has destroyed it now. Lester doesn’t seem to notice much difference if any from Prescott. The house seems larger since we’ve moved in. We have the day bed in the front room it is behind the front door, just a fit.

Mrs. Werner just called with her 16 mo. old baby. He had taken the older boys swimming. She hadn’t heard about Sam. They live two blocks from here. We will find a bed for you all right when ever you come up.

I believe you manage the old typewriter better than mine.

Yes, I wrote to Aunt Mollie and also Maude last week. I’m glad you sent some money to Nickerson’s! Yes I think you ought to pay Dr. Tolle. Aut is better of his hay fever the last two days.

Era is feeling better. They are moving into a little home in the same lot Fenton’s are so as to save rent. It is a store room but they are fixing it up.

Yes the things in the ice box were O.K. I haven’t found the flat piece that screws onto the table of my can opener. don’t ...[rest of letter missing]

To Mr. C. I. Beaver, Box 958, Needles, Calif. from Elvin Jackson

Dear Chas,

Received your letter yesterday. As I understand your letter Sam owed you a total of $385.00. Dad think he owes you a total of $100.00 This makes a total amount due of $485.00.

Is it satisfactory to you to settle in full the two accounts, this $485.00?

If it is, just write at the bottom of this letter that this amount pays you in full and a check will be sent you as soon as we hear from you.

The folks are fair. Dad is better than mother. Mother is in the hospital at Wickenburg and will have an operation next Sunday. The doctor thinks she will pull through all right but he wants to wait till Sunday to get her in better shape.

Sincerely yours, Elvin R. Jackson

[Handwritten note:] the amount you spoke of $485.00 is correct it is all rite to pay them that way it pays me in full

Dear Mr. LeMay: We acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 9th, enclosing draft for $392.60, in payment of your loan and interest to date. We hand you herewith the following papers in connection therewith:

Paid note, Mortgage, Title Policy, Warranty Deed, Fire Insurance Policy

We thank you for your good business, and the pleasant relations resulting there from, and trust that we may again have the pleasure of serving you. Our very best wishes to you and your good family. Very truly yours, G H Stack, Asst. Treasurer. [M. B. Hazeltine is president and Dixon Fagerberg, Vice President of said bank]

Dear Esther:

Word has just come to us thru Mrs. Pulley of the sudden death of Sam. When I saw the clippings in her letter, I fully expected to find some news of the bank robbers but was shocked when I read the heading and found it was Sam. I can just imagine about how you and your folks felt and still feel. We surely cannot understand these things but there will be a time when we can understand them. We know Romans 8:28 still holds true. How it behooves us to be ready to meet God for we do not know what minute we shall cut loose from this earth’s ties and be “Absent from the body and present with the Lord”. What a glorious feeling this must be for our loved ones who have gone on before us. I believe that Sam was a believer in Christ, was he not? I think I remember when he was taken into the Christian Church in Prescott. We can just look forward to the day when we shall be united with our loved ones never more to be separated. It must have been especially hard on you to come just at the time that you were moving and so upset generally. Trust that you have gotten settled in your new home in Winslow and I hope you will like it. I remember Winslow well. Then too, you will have Mrs. Werner for company and I know you have long been friends. That will help some. Then I want you to get acquainted with our friends Mr. and Mrs. Gorsage. He is pastor of the Baptist Church and is from Denver. He and my brother were very close friends in Denver.

Our field counselor has been very sick. He was in the most awful agony for four days with kidney stones. They kept him under dope to relieve his pain. I don’t know how many times the doctor was here.

John Payne has a bad head cold and cough now. It is so changeable here the nights are cool and the days fearfully hot. In the daytime I let him go with a little coverall suit-nothing under it at all. I wish I could dress as cool!

Three weeks from today we expect to be on the road to attend our annual field conference at Fort Crampel. We are expecting two old couples and their children back on furlough from the States and then a new couple also at the conference. Then there is one couple who came in August and a single young man who came in May that we have never met so it will be a time of renewing old acquaintances and making new ones and we are looking forward to a special time of fellowship and blessing in the Lord. There will be [D.V.] 22 adults and 18 children there. This year it is all our own missionaries, except 1 adult and 3 children who are visiting at Crampel. God is surely blessing our work thruout the whole mission (3 stations). The crowds that seem to flock in now to hear the Gospel both here and at Crampel. Both stations need bigger chapels. Both have outgrown their almost new chapels in just a short time.

I know Mrs. Pulley is going to miss you from the way she wrote. I feel so sorry for her for I know she really must be lonely a lot of the time. She used to visit a lot with Mrs. Hungerford but doesn’t even have her now to visit with.

Well, I will bring this to a close. Much love and with our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family,

Yours in Him, Adda Slocum and family.

Dear Mr. LeMay, Here it is time for one more month and I am enclosing the money, less the paint for the kitchen and sink. The water situation is no better and we will have to get water today somehow, but will try and see it thru.

We might be a little late next month with the money as we are going to the coast a few days and won't be back in time to send it on the 28th, As Ever H H McMullen [Esther had used the back of this letter for one on Feb 16, 1933, thus preserving it.]

Dear Mamma and all,

Rec’d your letter this noon so will answer right away because I’m getting ready to send you a package, I wanted to get it mailed yesterday but didn’t get it finished until today. I didn’t sew the extra brim on it because I thought she might want it different way or something. You can sew it on if you want to. I didn’t know whether you wanted it made or not so as I had plenty of yarn to make it I made it. I think it is nicer that way, don’t you?

I took a nap with Lester this afternoon and woke up before he awoke and I thought I’d be quiet and not make any noise so I addressed a letter to you and patter, patter here came a little boy as fast as he could run.

I was just getting ready to dress him when Mrs. Hadwin came to call. I was just thinking as none of the ladies were to come today I wouldn’t have to straighten everything up so good and then she came to call but she said her house isn’t always so spick and span and I know it can’t be with two youngsters.

Aut found out about the quilt Tuesday evening. The women hadn’t left when he got home from work. So I took him in and introduced him to them and the quilt and he said “Now I know why you wanted an extra room.: Their quilting is about like Prescott just the faithful few but they plan to have a big crowd here tomorrow. The President of the aid said she thought we were putting me to a lot of trouble and I told them all I enjoyed having them here. The door was tall enough so we could move the quilt in the living room yesterday and it was much warmer. It has been such a cold wind the last three days. It was hard to get the bedroom warm enough.

The lava soap ad is cute I hadn’t seen it before.

I was invited to a bridal shower today but as I was not acquainted with the nuptials I didn’t make an effort to go.

I guess our house is rented we rec’d a check yesterday. They didn’t say from what date it was to be but the check was dated the 7th. They are moving the electric range out. I’m glad they aren’t using it because I feel they will be better satisfied. That was all news to me about Exie. Too bad, well it is a good thing she has folks to go to.

I’ll return Mary’s letter later. I have been thinking if you think it is enough we can do together in sending these dresses. I’ll not charge you anything for the work I do on them. I’m using the red ribbon to save the black. Ha. Ha.

I’m glad those were the pictures Aunt Mollie wanted. Isn’t it nice to be missed at S.S.? Mrs. Pulley sent me two letters from Slocum’s last week. They are all right but Mrs. S. and boy have been having bad colds with coughs. She thought the boy had the whooping cough also the other white boy there as they whooped but they said nothing like that had ever been heard of there so I guess it was just bad colds.

Mr. Pulley had been laid up with something like lumbago for about a week but was able to work again. Mary Ruth’s father is quite sick. Am sending your birthday present too wear it a lot as it might melt in summer. Hope all goes well with Esther Zion. You had a cold after we left didn’t you/ Rivers wrote you were getting over your cold.

Tell Aunt Mollie that Lester doesn’t mind the castor oil so bad after he gets it down and it surely knocks the cold if given soon enough. I take it myself when I feel like it. ha. ha.

No, I didn’t hear that grand-dad. We don’t get Phoenix good at all here. I have gotten a good program from Clay Center, Neb. in the morn at 7 o’clock. Hymns and Bible reading.

We took our supper to church Sunday night. I took potatoe salad. We went at six o’clock. It made it quite awhile until 7:30 for church. Aut took notes in shorthand on the sermon. Lester finally got so restless that I came home with him.

Thanks for the offer but we will make out all right with out any more money unless something unforeseen turns up.

Lester talks about Grandma. Did I tell you I have your picture on the writing desk and the other morn it had fallen down. He was looking in a basket and found an empty folder and he said, after looking on top the writing desk, “Where is drammaw’s picture?

It is clouding up this afternoon I wonder if we will have some more snow. It has been rather cold this last week but nothing like it was while we were gone.

I washed Tuesday but the wind was so cold I didn’t risk hanging out the clothes. I waited until the next morn and hung out the big things. I put a line up in the kitchen and dried quite a few things.

Monday evening the Howell children came over to play with Lester. Their mother had been sick two days with the tooth-ache. So Aut went over and told them we would keep the kids for supper. They seemed to enjoy it. Aut sent her some tooth-ache medicine. I have not heard from them. It has been so cold I didn’t feel like walking over and when Aut gets home by the time we go to town it is dark.

I hope Aunt Mollie will plan to come over to Winslow before she goes bad. Have you heard from Winnie or Wes? What is the matter with Exie’s husband? I hope I get those dresses made before the 4th of July but I might not. Love to all

Esther, Aut and Lester

Dear Mamma and all:

Rec’d your letter and the dollar bill all right. thanks I think that will apply for the cap making and all. I don’t want to charge anything for the making of the cap.
That candy was horehound couldn’t you tell by the taste?
Yes, I had heard about Mrs. Donofrio’s death. I knew she was poorly.
Am enclosing a few clippings I didn’t remember whether I had told you or not.
I thought that apron was a good one but when it gets hot weather in Phoenix you will have to be careful or it will melt. When you hand it up or put it away do not let it touch or you know the rubber might stick together.

Say you know how to spell Flo’s name don’t you” it is Flo, NOT FLOW. like the water flows. Flo

Your typewriter ribbon sounds as if it isn’t threaded up right. If you can’t fix it yourself maybe Elvin can.

The women got the quilt out Tuesday. The Hadwin’s were blessed with quilts as presents this year. The Flagstaff church sent them one and their folks back home had tow friendship ones made and all quilted and sent to them so ours will be the fourth.

It was nice for Ruth to take you for a ride.

Mrs. Howell and I washed and ironed Monday weren’t we smart? I feel as if we were too smart for I've been tired ever since. The dresses cost 95 cents.

Gladys went to Prescott Sunday to see if she could get a school. She said Mary Ruth's father was so sick. He has been unconscious or nearly so for ten days. He cannot talk or turn over. The Drs. don’t seem to know what the trouble is.

The other Sunday night we were listening to KEY Church of Christ service, we usually can hear them real well. When they were singing Lester went and got his horn, Mr. McKoy gave him, and tried to play for them.

Have you seen McKoy’s lately?

I suppose daddy and uncle Henry are as usual you didn’t say. How is daddy and his geese getting along?

I had the Howells’ for dinner Sunday; poor folks they don’t eat away from home very much and have the cheapest at home. I baked a coconut cake; a layer cake and Aut dressed a chicken and had dumplings with it. She said she didn’t know when they had eaten chicken. Mr. H. had a chance to work so didn’t get to come.

I wish you all could come over for dinner. I made a lemon pie this morn and am cooking turnips and spinach and mustard greens. If you came over I might bake cornbread.

All I heard Aut say about his corn medicine that it made his feet tender. He didn't tell me yesterday when I read your letter. So I’ll have to wait until next time to know for sure what he thinks. He says the Santa Fe is trying to cut off some more clerks and if they keep this up much longer he will be looking for a job.

[HAPPY BIRTHDAY in the margin]

I hope Elvin and Rivers soon get over their colds. Tell them to take castor oil and turpentine. I guess L & I will walk down to the P. O. to mail this. Love Esther & Aut & Lester

Dear Mamma:

Rec’d your letter yesterday and of course was glad to hear from you all. I washed and ironed Monday it was nice day but yesterday and today are not so nice it is windy and somewhat cool. I think we’ll wear caps and winter coat here all summer.

I just wrote a letter to Gerald O. [sic] K. Smith. I thought after I had written you that I said Sunday night in my first letter so I told you again it is Tuesday night between 8 and 9. He had a good service and asked for folks to write and tell him what they thought of him critical or otherwise.

Lester thinks whenever he hears men singing on the radio that they are Negro men so Sunday night when we were listening to KOY he said “Negor men sing” and I told him, “No they were white men singing.” Pretty soon he said, “White Negor men sing?” I wonder what Brooks would think of that?

We didn’t go to church Sunday Aut didn’t have any clean suit he had to clean and press some clothes.

Flo wrote as if she was coming down with Paul sometime but I guess he had other passengers this time.

Do you ever hear from Miss Wolfe? I haven’t heard from her for so long I wrote her a card since coming here and thought I’d surely get an answer but so far I haven’t.

Lester goes to bed talking about Grandma and gets up talking too. He is getting anxious to go the choo choo to see grandma and all the rest too.

I suppose you know Mabel and Duncan [Hedgepeth] have a daughter born Mar. 19.

We heard from Toke finally. Fenton hadn’t been home for several nights and didn’t know when he would come home. They have him guarding buildings during the day and he stays in the fire hall at night. They are all right. Said it didn’t even scare her at first but she began to get a little nervous later on.

I got my pictures hung this morn so I guess we are about ready to move again just when I get things about straightened around it seems to happen that way lately. ha. ha.

If nothing happens to prevent we will be down on the train next Sat. night. We will get into Phoenix at 10:45 I believe. I guess Elvin knows what time that train comes. Will let him know if we can’t come. I may stay a few days am not fully decided yet.

Gerald Smith’s church is “Kings Highway Christian Church.” Their program started with singing “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” then the trio sang “Beneath the Cross” and “Guide Me O Thou Jehovah.” His subject was: “Thank God for a President of the U.S.A. who prays.” He said he wasn’t a laboring man that he was a preacher came from a family of preachers. They sang a song for his parents too. Must get dinner on. Love, Esther

Prescott, Ariz. May 28 1933

Rec. of Mr. J A Lemay, Thirty Dollars as payment in full for one fourth interest in Pipe line from Mike Verretos to H E Gunters this line not to be extended to any one else without the consent of all parties. signed Clem {Rm A?] Mrs. Jerome McGee H E Gunter.

Dear Folks:

Rec’d your letter Sat. I know you are having a nice time and a lot of good eats. yum yum “you all” outta gain a lot this summer.

Tell Mrs. Katzer I’d surely like to see her & the Gatliff’s as well as others & eat some good meals. I’ve been looking at houses today but none seem any more attractive than this apt. They are so dirty & one is next to the railroad track. Jimmie, Ola & Mrs. Davis came on the train Sat morn at 5 o’clock & left Sunday night at 12:30. Jimmie drove the car & we went to Prescott, Sat. P.M. We have a range in our house in Prescott. Haven’t gotten a check for our stove yet.

Winnie Widener is going to see about renting our house & she said two parties had inquired [sic] last week. The inside is all painted. My it makes me want to move back.

I am enclosing some extra snapshots, that you might like to give to the old friends - if handy keep a record of whom you give them to. Aut & Lester have taken a bath & gone to bed

We went to the Canyon yesterday. Mrs. Davis & Jimmie had never seen it. We drove about 30 miles down the rim east to the new Indian watch tower & what pretty scenery. I enjoyed it. Lester was on the jump & kept us jumping too.

Mr. Nickerson stopped a minute on his way to Flagstaff today & left me some doughnuts. Did you ever see such a preacher? I think we’ll go to Prescott next Sat again. I don’t see your letter tonight may find it before I finish to see if you asked any questions. Mr. Nickerson said he was in Phoenix last week & went out to see you folks, said a lady was there. I suppose she is Miss Roberts.

Tues. Morn: Found your letter this morn. I guess daddy is enjoying his visit now, isn’t he I think we’ve about given up going to Chicago, alltho folks write such glowing description of it. I told Aut he could go & if he does, Lester & I will come down & visit you. So Lane’s are living there, give them my regards. Must get dinner started, Love to all, Esther & family.

Oct 1, 1933 Letter from Esther to her parents from Box 353, Williams, AZ

Dear Mamma and Daddy:

Rec’d your card yesterday, was glad to get it. I was wondering about Uncle Fremont.

Despite the rain this morning we went to S.S. and church. I noticed for the first time that the leaves were turning red and orange. Guess there had been a little frost. The last two nights have been real warm and yesterday it rained some. The sun is shining now - 2:30. As it is Sunday I guess Lester and I will not take our naps.

Lester and Aut are putting the roofing on the garage where it leaks so we can store some of our stuff in there.

I want to tell daddy before I forget it that we have had two messes of radishes from our garden and they tasted the finest I ever age; guess it is because he planted them

I don’t see why it takes so long for letters to get to you from here. That letter was supposed to be mailed early Tuesday morn.

I’m glad daddy is feeling better. How are you feeling? Lester talks about you all coming to see us. I told him I guess we would have to go to see you now instead of your coming here.

Did your story end in the Standard? I didn’t see it in the last one.

I’ll copy a clipping from the Williams paper as I want to send it to Era. This happened last Sat. or Sunday and is Aut’s 2nd cousin’s boy.

Isn’t it terrible how accidents that are fatal can happen so suddenly?

I washed Wed. cleaned house Thursday and ironed Friday. I have nearly all of Aut’s sock darned. He has contrived the idea that I crochet covers for the new car our of old stockings and socks. Isn’t that a good idea if it works or if I work? I’m feeling better than when we were in Phoenix.

Hope you had a nice time at the Ladies’ all day meeting

The dog is fat, fine and sassy. Love, Esther & family

PS We went to the church dinner Wed. eve & then drove out to Sargent’s They aren’t planning to move into town until snow falls & maybe not then.

Oct. 12, 1933 Letter from Esther to her folks from Box 353, Williams, AZ

Dear Mama
Pulley’s came Sunday before we had gone to S.S. So they went along; we didn’t stay for church. We had fried chicken. Mrs. Pulley said she was sorry she didn’t know my birthday was so soon; she brought me a nice bouquet of flowers though. Gladys send me some silk knit underwear. Aut gave me a card saying he was giving me the Terraplane 8 & the gift was to last for 3 years.

One of the church women called -- Mrs. Coulson, & wanted to know if I’d direct a lay that the class was thinking of giving, but I told her I’d rather be in it than direct it. The S.S. class bought the preacher a new suit and hat on credit & now it has to be paid for. I moved most of the boxes down from the red house so all that is left in it now is the stove. I learned today that the S.S. teacher is a Baptist too.

More sunshine today than we’ve had for several days, but it has thundered and clouded up too.

I’ve gotten all my silk socks crocheted and it didn’t make a very big rug. I have some cotton ones to work up that Mrs. Pulley brot Sunday after they left about 4 o’clock, we came down town to get the paper & Aut decided to go to Belmont again & see if he could locate any ducks. When we got home I found this note from Flo-- Surely sorry we didn’t stay home.

Gladys wrote she almost came Sunday, it never rains but it pours. It seems like I came down town with Mrs. Coulson & am in Aut’s office writing. Lester & I missed our naps today. Lester said he wasn’t sleepy, but I was, but I didn’t insist as we want to go to bed early tonight.

Oct 12 Ola came this morning. She got her dates mixed when she wrote, Surely hard on Aut to get up in the morning.

Rec’d 2 hankies & some beads from Aunt Mollie today but no letter.

Will send you Mrs. Gatliff’s letter, you can send it back

Lester is pestering me. It is nearly 9 o’clock; maybe I’ll stay up for Amos & Andy. I drove the car some today.

We had a little rain today but nice most of the day.

Our “purp” is getting fat & sassy. I drove up to Kielhorn’s but she was gone. I don’t see how she can go so much & leave her baby at home with him

Lester says, tell Grandma “Is she got a dog?” and he wants me to send some cards over to you. I sang “Three Blind Mice” to him & he thought that was so funny. He says something about you & daddy every day. He says “Grandma calls Pal ‘Sport’”

Can’t think of any more tonight, am too sleepy

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Lester
Love, Aut & Esther
At P. O. Rec’d your letter just now.

Oct. 20, 1933 Letter from H[enry] C Jackson to Jackson’s from Los Angeles

Nov 5, 1933 Letter from Esther in Williams to her folks in Phoenix.

Dear mama & Daddy;

I’ve thought of you all week but haven’t heard from you. I wonder if daddy is feeling any better, I hope so.

We took a 140 mile trip today. Mrs. Goldsborough & Chester came last night just at sun down. We took our lunch & went down Oak Creek, built a fire & made coffee about where we stopped the 4th. We went to Sedona & came back Schnebley Hill. Some trip & they were thrilled, thought it was the most beautiful sight they had ever seen. Tomorrow is Chester’s birthday & we called it his party. I made a cake & put candles on it last night & that was a surprise to them. Lester sang Happy Birthday without my telling him to. They think Lester is about the smartest boy for his age they ever saw. Lester read the Mother Goose Book to Auntie G. & she marveled at the number of rhymes he knew.

I feel as if I could sleep without being rocked.

Have just done the housework--washed, ironed, scrubbed & patched.

Have had some cold winds & a few flakes of snow fell yesterday. It is cold tonight. This morning when we started it was cold & cloudy. It showed on us after we left Flag, but it didn’t last long. It was real nice where we ate our lunch.

Lester sends big hugs & kisses. He is always saying something grandma said

Don’t think of any more tonight. With lots of love,

Esther

Letter from Esther in Los Angeles at 923 W 40th Place, dated Feb. 12 1934

Dear Mama & Daddy,

I hardly remember what I wrote in the last letter--I finished it so hurriedly.

We left Williams Sat. morn, got in L.A. at 7:30 yesterday morn. Aut had telegraphed Fenton, so Toke and Jewel met us. Toke had a big dinner planned & had invited Era’s & some friends from Downey so Era didn’t know we were there until they got over to Fenton’s. Era is so much better. Fenton brought us over here about 7 o’clock last evening. Aunt M[ollie] got an extra bed in the other apt which is vacant so we got along fine. Uncle Henry is better but hasn’t much appetite--he is up all right. Uncle H. says to tell you he got the letter & check O.K. -- he’ll write in a few days. Aunt M. hopes daddy will go to Wickenburg--glad Dr. C[opeland] is O.K. again. I just phoned Maude-- she said she was so busy with the club but would take me to the train. Aut has gone to the hospital & he may not get back before train time & I’ll meet him at the depot.

Tell Uncle L. S. [Lawrence S. Russell, Rosa’s brother] I’m glad he can be with you. It eases my mind to know he is there.

I read River’s letter she wrote for you. She writes a good letter. Yes, you are pretty smart to transplant your flowers. So Vivian is married-- Uncle H. was surprised.

Glad Barnes’ called on you. So Daddy had found his glasses. He ought to be able to read double good now.

Sid Wright found his girl in San Pedro. She was all right. Hope daddy is feeling better.

Lester is having a great time. Aut says “You’re the best mother-in-law he ever had” or “something like that” as Lester says.

With love, Esther

Letter from Esther to her folks from Williams, dated Mar 3, 1934

Dear Mama & Daddy: Rec’d your letter today. Was glad to hear from you. Rec’d Rivers’ card yesterday. You should have gotten my card sooner, it seems to me. Lester is still taking his nap. I just got up! It is 4:30. I finished cleaning up the house this morn & my back was tired too. I hope you don’t work too hard & get sick. I know the fewer there are around, the less work there is to do especially in cooking, etc. I had hoped L. S. could stay, but he feels as if C. H. needs him with the haying & spring work. I winder if uncle L. S. could use some of the socks I have that were given me for rugs. Some are good but not mates, etc. It would be hard for me to have come back so soon. Aut hates for me to be away so much, too. I guess he’ll let me stay a week again soon, tho.

We’re having glorious weather now, so warm.

Is Elvin’s work keeping him busy all the time?

So I missed seeing the callers. I should have liked to have seen them all, but was glad to get over the road especially the detours before dark.

I don’t think Uncle Henry will come over until he feels stronger anyway. I guess he could eat whatever & whenever you get it ready.

Well you don’t have the calves to look after--that is one chore less. Maybe Mr. Gaston would milk the cows if it is too much for Mrs. C. Mrs. C. can probably suggest things to cook for daddy too, as well as what to do for him. I don’t see how she does so much.

I did my ironing yesterday & vacuumed the front room & bath room. The bathroom was full of soot. The other night when Aut & Lester took a bath the wind was in the north & when he built a fire in the bathroom stove the soot just blew back all over the room.

We’ll let you know later about coming down. May come on the train.

Our house number is 338 E. Sheridan. Aut works for the division foreman. If you should want to get word to us quickly a telegram would be best.

Aut is home and Lester has waked up.

I just got a package from Montgomery Ward. I ordered a few things from their special catalogue. Sent the order Tues. & got it back Sat. quick work. I now have some fleece lined house shoes too, a bright blue in color. I’m pretty well pleased with the order. They substituted on some things & are much better than ordered.

Flo wrote she may get a job back home the middle of this month. She said she hoped she would get it. She said if she didn’t get it she planned to go to Phoenix next Sat. the 10th. She seemed so enthused about it. I hope she gets the job for her sake. It is about 60 miles from her home.

I wrote to Miss Wolfe this morn. I see by the paper she is sick again, poor girl, she has so much sickness. I wish we had stopped Sunday.

I’ll mail this now, maybe you’ll get it Monday

Love, Esther & family

Letter portion dates March 2nd, no year

Will try to finish this now.

Tell Aunt Mollie that foot medicine seems to make the callous places peel off easier. My corn hasn’t been helped yet.

I went to Ladies’ Aid. (They call themselves the Women's’ Christian Service Council) yesterday p.m. I left Lest asleep & Mrs. Howell did some work for me. Lester didn’t like it very well when he awoke & I was gone.

Hope Ruth & Rivers are rested up by now.

Lester is writing to you-- all alone. His daddy isn’t drawing any pictures for him this time. Lester wrapped up a package & wanted to go to the post office this morning.

You’re having an epidemic of callers aren’t you? How is your cough?

I don’t know, I may come down before I get those dresses finished. I don’t know yet. The two dresses cost 95 c - 47 1/2 c a piece. I got them at half price.

Lester played outdoors with Mr. Hink a lot yesterday. I tried to get him to come in & Mr. Hink said it was too nice outdoors that he would watch Lester. Lester went over in their house yesterday morn. He knocked & Mr. H. let him in. Mrs. Hink was sick again yesterday. He says she can only stay up here three or four months at a time, then she has to go to Phoenix or to a lower altitude.

Lester is stamping your letter & wants to seal it

Mrs. Hadwin was over Tuesday eve. She left her kiddies at home with him. She is frailer than I am & she seems so worn out all the time; no wonder though with two babies to care for & her hubby isn’t as good as mine is to take care of babies. I wonder sometimes if he can wash dishes. I bet he never washes didies. Mr. Howell was over this morn to pay some money Aut loaned him to get his car license. Mrs. Howell has gotten a bog taking care of some youngsters until Sat.

Aut had me take a dose of salts this morning. I think I have a touch of arthritis or rheumatism. My arm, you know that was hurt, gets to hurting every once in awhile & my shoulders & back. Now don’t get all worried. I’m all right, only not as peppy as I’d like to be. I think Lester & I will walk downtown to mail this. Love Esther and family.

Letter with note Mar. 13 no year, but with envelope dated Mar. 29, 1934.

Dear Momma & Daddy:

Was glad to receive your letter today. I haven’t rec’d the card you said you sent Sat. Did you give it to some one to mail?

It has been real warm here today. I haven’t done much since we got home. I aired all of the bedding today. I wanted to take a nap but Lester didn’t. Washed out a few things in Lux. Didn't solicit anyone today; got a promise of two orders yesterday for later in the month.

I don’t think it will be any use to write that letter that you were talking about. It has been so many years, etc.

I don’t know what to write Aunt Mollie. I guess Uncle Henry will write to her again this week as I didn’t get to while there.

I hope you can get Lawrence to come again soon. You need someone who is strong enough to lift daddy around. He should have an alcohol rub every day too for he is liable to get bed sores.

I left those socks on the dresser in the other house if L. wants them. I also left my Mentholatum somewhere around there.

Aut is cutting out dolls (paper) for Lester, isn’t that nice?

If I feel rested enough tomorrow I’ll wash.

Mrs. Shelton expected those folks by at 1 o’clock yesterday and she told them to meet her at the Pay’nTakit. So I went down with her. I didn’t have to stay but I did, and the folks didn’t show up until 4 o’clock. They were driving a new car and didn’t get started as soon as they planned. Mrs. Shelton is real nice. I’m glad to be able to entertain some of Aut’s old friends. She used to live here too, and thought so much of Mother LeMay.

How is Dorothy getting along? Hope you don’t overdo. I thought Sunday you weren’t feeling so well, but maybe your appetite came back.

We were hungry when we got home and made a fire and fried eggs. I was glad we had some fresh ones. Lester wanted popcorn so we popped corn. It was 11 o’clock when we went to bed.

Let us hear from you often. I wouldn’t be of much help if I were there but I think of you all the time. Aut thinks it would be harder on me than at home and I know I couldn’t lift daddy.

We stopped a minute to see Flo. Carl Ernest was there but I only spoke to him, didn’t stay at all. I’m sleep tonight. I went to bed at 8 last night and Lester did too. He slept the clock around.

Love, Esther and family.

Postcard from Aut to Rosa from Los Angeles 10/23/34.

Dear Mamma:

Just leaving hospital. Esther is ok is sleeping now. Had lump taken out of breast and hemorrhoids cut out. No indication of cancer or serious complications for which am thankful. Will be in hospital about a week or ten days.

Love E & Aut Lester sends XXXXX

Postcard from Esther to Rosa from Los Angeles Calif., Tues. Oct 30, 1934

Dear Mama:

Rec’d your card here yesterday & Toke brot your letter (sweet get well card) last eve. Think I’ll leave here tomorrow & Aut plans to come Sunday after me. If I feel like it want to go over to John’s a day but may not feel like it. I don’t know how strong I am until I try, I think. I’d better go to Williams first then come to Phoenix later. Don’t worry, I’m ok. Love Esther

Postcard from Esther to Rosa from 145 Midway Ave, Whittier, Calif. Nov 2, 1934 [Fenton’s]

Dear Mama: I am feeling fine am sore a little in spots. I notice it in riding in the car. Aut says it is nice in Williams. We’ll plan to come to phoenix later. Rec’d a letter from Ruth Wed. I wish I could visit Aunt Mollie, but don’t feel like making the trip over & staying cause it is so much easier to take care of Lester here. He doesn’t worry me here. Everyone seems quite well & busy. Had a little rain night before last. Now, don’t worry for my trouble isn’t serious alltho uncomfortable. Love, Esther.

Hospital Bill Dated Nov 5, 1934 to Santa Fe Coast Lines Hospital Association Dr. for hospital care of Mrs. Esther LeMay employed by Santa Fe (Husb) as clerk from 10-22-34 to 10-31-34 9 days @ $26.25 per week $33.75. Operating room 15.00. Anesthetist Dr. Mary A Ross 15.00. Gas oxygen 4.00. Laboratory examination 2.50 Dr. Hall & Butt 10.00 = 12.50. Medicine and Dressings 2.05. Professional Services Dr. L Chaffin $50.00 Total 132.30. Paid 20.00 Bal. due 112.30 Distribution: Account GE 51.25 2-LAH 6.05 DF 75.00. Total 132.30

Letter from Esther to her folks from Williams dated April 30, 1934

Dear Mama:

At home again. I wrote a card to you while on the train Friday going to Prescott. I give it to the conductor to mail. I wonder if you rec’d it. Lester had a great time with Douglas. I left him there while I went down town. I got some wringer repairs. Saw Mrs. Sanders from Chino Valley. I noticed those flowers Ranunculus are also listed as buttercups in the catalogue. I went to church Friday night & left Lester at Mary Ruth’s I saw so many old friends. Mrs. Harter was there 7 asked about you. Mrs. Coffee brot her & they took me home (Mary Ruth’s). Seemed as if I enjoyed that church service more than any since I left Prescott. The preacher is a good talker, not much interest shown & only 2 or 3 joined by letter I think.

Aut drove down Sat. eve. I didn’t hardly expect him, but glad he came.

Mr. Benion is quite interested in our pump & may buy it.

Miss Wolfe saw Flo down town & learned I was in town & came up to see me. She ordered 8 pairs of hose. She plans to come up sometime. She says she is all right now but has been quite miserable since Xmas. She was out to church Sunday morn.

Mr. Pulley stopped for me at 11:30 Sat & I went home with him for dinner. Yes, I took Lester. Lester was so tired I got him to sleep about a hour. Mr. Pulley came back to take us back about 3 o’clock. Then Mary Ruth took me out to the place. No money for rent yet. Promised next week.

We had dinner with Flo Sunday. After dinner we went to look at Cathryn & Gail’s new house.

Cathryn expects to be here next Sat. The other sister, Josephine & Janie (Carl’s girl) are coming too.

I didn’t do much today. Got one order for hose & called several places. One place the school Supt’s wife. I found out she is a Campbellite & came from MO. She visited the Taylors in Phoenix not long ago. She is a friend of the tall red-headed Taylor’s mother, knew him when a baby.

Didn’t do much today but gad about you see. I wanted to get more hose orders, but some who had promised had been to a sale at Penney’s etc. etc. in Winslow

It is 9 o’clock. I’m tired. Mrs. McCully was in Phoenix at Mrs. Tuckers, but her son went after Sat.

Dr. Tolle had a terrible cold but say her heart is O.K. or better anyway. Arney’s invited us home to dinner with them Sunday & also Goldsboro’s guess I should have stayed a week. I asked Aut about staying over until tonight & he said why don’t you move down there? ha.

Mary Ruth is getting ready to move to Missouri for a year. She has never known any other place but5 Prescott & how she hates to go, but they think they must. Joe’s foster father died recently & Joe has been appointed administrator of the estate.

Their baby is the cutest boy. They have been taking the baby to an eye specialist in Phoenix every two weeks for some time. The tear ducts never opened. They have one more trip to make. The baby is better.

Love, Esther & family.

March 9, 1934 to Jackson’s from Esther in Williams

Dear Momma & Daddy:

Rec’d your letter yesterday, I also rec’d E’s card a few days ago. Was glad to get your letter. I thought maybe you would be so busy that you wouldn’t have time to write.

I want to be down there with you and yet it is so hard on me to try to keep Lester quiet. Would you rather I’d be there before Aunt M. comes over if she does?

I have at last a new typewriter, don’t you see.

I am up before all the rest this morning writing this letter. Lester has gotten in the habit of crawling in with us about 5 o’clock in the morn.

You should have gotten my letter Monday for I mailed it here Sat. eve.

I had an inspiration to try selling hose this week and made up my mind to ask at least 5 people a day. I’ve made a $1.00 a day until yesterday and I didn’t really try as I washed and didn’t feel like going out until Aut got home Two evenings I had Aut take me and I made a sale both times. I’m trying to sell enough to win three pairs free this month. I also need the money. I sold Dr. T. and her mother 4 pairs Sunday. I think Flo’s satisfaction is what inspired me. I tell my customers about her buying so many. I have sold to one teacher and if I’m here the first of next week have an appointment to see several more.

Rec’d a card from Fern last eve. Mrs. Gatliff passed away last Sat. and was buried Tuesday. She was sick two days, it was her heart. Se seems almost like one of the family, it seems I thought as much about visiting with her if I ever went back than most anyone else. [Mrs. Gatliff was a friend in Gering, Nebraska.]

Is daddy’s bowels any better? Does he still have that pain all of the time?

I think if you have to send a telegram address it to J. A. LeMay, c/o The Division Foreman, Williams, Ariz., would be the quickest delivery for if Aut was working they could phone it to him from the telegraph office.

I have my ironing and mending to do today if I don’t get too tired.

Is daddy’s leg still bothering him?

I saw by the paper that Elvin was in Prescott with Mr. Hale on business. I’m wondering if he is actually going to take that Mine Supply job. I hope not. Maybe we could rent him our house if we get it empty. Haven’t had any rent for two weeks.

I hear Winnie Widener is getting along fine. Is getting fleshy staying in bed. I see by the paper that Frances Wolfe has gone back to work. She is in her old office again.

We would like to drive down this week end but it is a hard trip and it costs quite a bit for gas too. Aut doesn’t seem to want to undertake it. I’m expecting some hose in the mail any day and I want to deliver some of them. I can come any time though if you need me.

Glad Everet Johnson is getting along all right. Lester started a letter to you yesterday.

Yes, Elvin told about all the company Sunday. He didn’t say that Ruth brought Flo but he said they were both there. What would we do without Ruth? She is always ready to bring our friends out and us too, isn’t she. Seems like she is one of the family doesn’t it? I want to write to her but haven’t gotten to it.

The 7 o’clock whistle is blowing so I must get dressed and get breakfast.

Did Elvin expect to stay in Prescott long?

If the heat doesn’t bother Aunt Mollie too much she will be a lot of help around the house I think. We’ll have to work out that proposition later. I guess we could rent the little red house and get some beds somewhere for her and Henry to sleep in. We’ll not worry about it --all things will work out for good to them that love the Lord.

Hello to the uncles from us. Have E. drop me a card real often

Love to you and daddy. Esther & family

May 13, 1934 to Jackson’s from Esther in Williams.

Dear Mama:

Mother’s Day, I felt I should be with you, but you know we all love you and think about you all the time.

I haven’t had any energy the last week, the weather seemed so warm here. Aut didn’t say I couldn’t come but I wanted to feel more ambitious if possible when I come down. I still have some woodwork to wash, if I get to it. Aut thought he would get the bathroom painted today & didn’t go to church but it took all his time to put in a new toilet bowl. It is 3 o’clock now and he just finished. Lest & I went to S.S. & church. I gave a short talk in S.S. on temperance.

Aut presented me with a box of candy this morn; wasn’t that nice. Don’t you want a piece?

Had a surprise in the mail of a $5.00 check another dividend of the defunct Commercial Trust & Saving Bank. Did Uncle Henry have money in there?

Aut is starting to paint now. I suspect the smell will drive me out, almost.

I’ll send you some h hose for Mother’s Day when I get them. Don’t think I’ll get down Wed. either. It takes a day or so to get rested, you know & we have company coming next week-end.

Yes, I know whom you meant I think her name is spelled Emmons or Emmonds.

I’ll send the negatives they cost 7 c a piece to be printed here; how much does it cost there?

Aut is getting another paint brush so I’ll get busy too.

My wringer went “haywire” again this week so I just left my washing & went down town, sold some hose on the way. Aut fixed the wringer at noon so I finished the wash after dinner.

Glad Mrs. Carter’s sister is better. 5:30 P.M. Painted the front door & was tired so am resting now. Aut is painting the bathroom all over white. It didn’t look so bad but it surely looks fine now.

Monday morn. Surely cool last night imagine you had a cooler night too.

The address of the defunct Commercial Trust & Savings Bank of Prescott is: Y. C. White, Supt of Banks, and Ex-officio Receiver, Commercial Trust & Savings Bank. State Banking Dept. Liquidation Office 1637 B W. Jefferson St. Phoenix. Some address isn’t it! Thot if Uncle H. had money in it & hadn’t got a check, he could see about it.

Some folks called to look at the house last eve. Said they wanted to buy it, if they could get money enough. I hope they don’t buy this summer. Breakfast is ready.

Love to all Esther & family XOXOXOXO Lester & all.

Letter from Esther to her Mama dated Jan 5, 1934 --- 1935

Dear Mama: Rec’d your letter this noon. It is nearly 5 o’clock now. L. and I have been taking a nap. L. still is sleeping. We were out to a party last night Frys’ furnished chicken and invited a S. S. bunch to come and furnish the rest of the supper. I did get Aut to go! There were about 20 there. I took a big kettle of beans. We had a big supper then made plans for a S.S. attendance contest. we took Miss Hoffner with us.

I’ve written letters to Flo and Winnie and sent a note for them for Aunt Mollie this week. She sent the stamps. I also had written Winnie when I sent your s. Wrote to Lizzie and sent a snap of the group, also Mrs. Stull, Ida Hilbers and Mabel Hedgpeth. I wrote aunt M. too. I’ve rec’d letters from aunt M, Mrs. Tottingham, Mary Ruth, and Veda. All are well and had a nice Xmas.

It is snowing just like an old woman picking her geese. It just started. It started raining last night about 3 o’clock and we have had showers all day. L. had just waked up and wants to know “What God makes it snow for?”

I tried tinting pictures last Monday but didn’t have so very good luck. Yours aren’t so bad but the ones I had printed here the photographer used the wrong type of paper.

Aut talked about going to L.A. this week-end and having hay fever shots. I’m glad he gave up going. I didn’t care about going along and thought it would be better to wait.

Sunday P.M. 4:45. Again I will start writing to you. We had rain in the night but it has been snowing all afternoon. L. and I got out and walked around in it awhile and made a little snowman, then I came in and L. said he was making a snow-girl.

We all went to S.S. and church this morning. I didn’t know whether I’d get Aut in the notion or not but I did. He has been chopping wood this P. M. So far it hasn’t been cold but I suspect we’ll have a cold spell when this snow stops.

When Aut investigated the radio he found there was a short in the aerial. I heard the president’s address the other morn.

The trains change time again today. There will be only one to Phoenix now. I guess you’ll receive my letters about as quickly though. I wanted to get this mailed today but don’t know whether we will or not.

It’s a good thing you didn’t have to go 10 or 15 miles to get your washing done after all the trouble you had getting home. Aut says you need a new car all right.

Hurrah for Jimmie’s first tooth. Now the fun will begin.

I thought of you New Years’ day. We all had Miss Hoffner for our company.

I’m sorry to hear of Bro. Elmore’ illness. He had ptomaine poisoning some time ago I understand was the reason he was so poorly.

Glad you had good luck in cooking the goose. Yes, you told me about your S.S. teacher’s wife.

I saw in the paper about Mrs. Foster; I didn’t know that Mrs. Neilson.

I’ll send you aunt Mollie’s letter. I guess it is about the same as she wrote to you. I imagine she intended the money for uncle Henry but it seems queer she didn’t say something about it. Oh, yes I can make our your letter ok.

Evelina is a good writer or penman, I should say. Too bad about Hollie. Hope he will recover.

I thought you needed a better light to read by at night. Maybe next time we can get something you want worse.

So you and Aut are satisfied about Vivian now. ha ha.

How was aunt Mabel Tuesday? Did uncle Clarence get to visit any with L.S.? Lester started a letter to you the other day when I was taking a bath and I had to holler to him how to spell his words. Maybe you can make it out. He said he drew Skippy. He tried to write Dear Grandma and Lester, I don’t remember what else he said.

I’m hinting to Aut about mailing this letter tonight and he isn’t much in favor of going out but we shall see. Love Esther

Letter from Esther to her mother March 19, 1935

Dear Mama:

I’ve been thinking of you and what occurred the 17th but have been so busy.

We are having a regular blizzard again today. The snow was just about all melted but last night it began again.

Last Monday the 11th we walked to the picture show. It was good = Anne of Green Gables. Did you see Will Rogers in “Life begins at Forty”? That was in Phoenix last week and I hear it was very funny. I thought maybe that was the one you saw.

Tuesday the 12th. Mrs. Coulson and I went calling. We called on a family where the mother is on crutches all the time and her old mother is on crutches too. Guess they have been that way for years. They have three children, the oldest a month older than Lester and a baby 10 months old. I wonder how she ever gets her work done. We also called on Mrs. Daughtery she is up now but hasn’t been able to come to S.S. for several Sundays. Has some kind of trouble in her face like sinus or neuralgia. Mrs. C and I were seeing how many we could get to come to church Sunday and have a pot luck dinner. We saw Mrs. Dial too. We made arrangements for this W.C.T.U. woman to stay at a hotel and got her meals furnished at the mill boarding house.

I washed Wednesday and did it all myself hanging out and all. Lester and I took a nap. In the evening I walked to prayer meeting. Lester wanted to go, but I wouldn’t let him. He said he loved me more than daddy and didn’t want me to leave him again. I felt pretty sore for a few day after the washing.

Lester is invited to a birthday party this p.m. of a three year old but I doubt if we will go. It is so stormy and I don’t think they have a very good house. I left L. at Philip’s house the day Mrs. C. and I did so much running around. Mrs. Coulson is driving a new car. She didn’t know her husband was going to get a new car and he didn’t either but he went to Prescott Monday and the old car acted up so and when he inquired about buying a new part he decided to buy a new one so he got the cheapest he could a Ford V-8 coupe. It seems funny to see Mrs. C. driving a little car after having that big Buick. She likes it.

Sunday we went to S.S. and church. I was called on to teach the adult class unexpectedly as the teacher didn’t show up. Sat. I had met Mrs. Buck at the bus and took her to the hotel. Then later Mrs. Coulson came up and we went and got Mrs. Buck and took her to the church. Mrs. Buck had the morning service. A few signed pledges. We had our pot-luck dinner at the parsonage. There were 15 of us including four children. After the dinner we took Mrs. Buck and Miss Hoffner to the Grand Canyon. (Mrs. B. had never seen it; she is from Salem, Ore.) We had to keep moving as she was to speak at Ash Fork at 8 o’clock. We made it all right. However Mr. Gray was at Ash Fork and we didn’t stay just left her. She enjoyed the Grand Canyon.

We were glad to hear from you Sat. and I planned to write you a card but I never got around to it.

Well you have a washing machine all your own now. I can bring my washing down can’t I? I wonder if you have gotten a new car or another one too. Maybe we won’t recognize the place when we see it. I think you have been busy too.

Why couldn’t you stay the whole show through. Did you have an appointment somewhere else? I guess you were to meet Rivers weren’t you?

Well, well so Peter Goose is a lady, Aye??

I don’t know who Howard’s niece-in-law is.

I’m glad you are feeling as good as you are. We have been O.K. Lester is sneezing a little this morning. I think he got cold last night as he crawled in with us about 4 this morn. When Aut discovered L was in bed with us he put him back in his own bed. It is so hard for me to sleep with L. Lester cried that it was cold but we turned on the heating pad and he soon went to sleep. He was asleep when Aut picked him up but he woke up enough to cry a little bit.

It will soon be lunch time. I have stew cooking on the heating stove and sweet potatoes. I still have a little of the apple pie left from Sunday. I made a lemon pie for the dinner and put in an apple pie too in case of an emergency and we took it to the Canyon with us and ate part of it coming home.

We got another load of blocks Tuesday. I’m surely glad we did for the other wood doesn’t burn very good and I mix them. I made my back ache shoveling snow off the front porch last week. I’m all right now. Will soon have to shovel some more unless Aut gets time. He finished my other shoveling job.

I washed out a few things for Lester this morning and have them drying by the stove; if this storm keeps up we’ll not have a wash day this week.

Love to all, Esther and family

Do you have any tinted pictures left of Lester alone or of Aut, Lester & me? Did the Prescott church write you a letter? I guess you haven’t your membership there now, tho.

July 13, 1935 Letter from Esther to her mama.

Dear Mama: Rec’d your letter yesterday, seems like it took a long time to get here didn’t it?

Hussong’s address is L. A. Hossong, 3875 Marlborough, San Diego, Calif. If you get a good chance to go, why GO. I don’t know when we can get away. I got up early this morning and wrote a birthday letter to Ruth. You didn’t say when she was leaving. I’m glad she is taking a much needed rest and hope she will feel better when she comes home. Miss Hoffner took a month last year and she seemed so much better when she came back. She is beginning to look as if she should take another vacation. The last few days have been warmer than usual and I guess they make us all tired.

There was a reception for the new minister last night. I thought we would go and Aut would have gone but I just felt so tired about 6 (I hadn’t taken any rest in the P.M.) so we didn’t go.

Yesterday afternoon I delivered about 12 pairs of hose. I called on a bride who is living in the house Patricia lived in last summer. She has just been here 3 weeks. She came from Minnesota. I like her appearance very much. She has been a church worker.

I think you had quieter a time the Fourth? I’m glad you got to visit C’s. Did they go to the show? Suppose C’s are as usual.

Lester told this bride all about his family yesterday. He told about Mama being in a play and about going to see Shirley Temple in Prescott and what Daddy said when he got mad and I don’t know what all.

I’ve sold enough hose to pay for Lester’s birthday present. I bought a couple of books from a neighbor. You keep those hose and if there is anything due me you can apply it on the dishes.

Can’t you arrange to be here a week from Sunday? I thought you might catch a ride up with Hale to Prescott, then we can come after you if E. doesn’t have time to bring you up. I guess Hale doesn’t come back until Monday though, well if you can’t get here on the 22nd, maybe you can come that week, or the week before. I know lots of folks are coming up this way on vacations but I don’t know of anyone personally. We have had an insurance woman here several times lately and she might be coming down. I’ll ask her the next time I see her and maybe I could arrange for you to get a ride up. this woman has been trying so hard to sell us some insurance on Lester. She was here last night twice but I told her NO. I’d like to but things are so uncertain that I feel we had better wait a little longer. She represents the company Sam was insured with.

I wrote a card to Maud this week and asked about Aunt Mollie, maybe I’ll hear from her in a few days.

Aut has been working on the back porch. He is painting it and turned the door around so it opens outside instead of in. I told him it would make so much more room in there. I think he’ll fasten screen on the inside and then we can open the door for air. He is planning on building a cooler too.

Nothing slow about Sid, is there? Did Uncle L. S. ever send his Palm Olive letter? A woman I know won $1000 or a trip to Europe so the paper said. She lives at Grand Canyon.

I’ll return the clippings; maybe you will like to show them to someone else. I guess it means that Mrs. McHenry lost. It is hard to understand.

Are all of the Baker girls married now? I don’t remember of hearing of Alice being married, have you?

I wish I had some chicken to fix. I’m chicken hungry -- guess I’ll have to get my hubby to drive down. It is hot down there now, isn’t it?

I imagine Mae’s girls would be modern. Your typewriter gauge isn’t far enough over I think is the trouble.

Do you folks think you’ll get the Townsend Plan through?

I don’t think I care for any more of those pictures now anyway. I want to take some new ones soon. Maybe next payday we’ll buy some films and take some pictures. There is a new photographer in town and he seems very reasonable.

I guess Melvina graduated all right. I think I’d make a fuss to the P. O. about that letter going back. They have to be reminded it seems. I would sweat this morning if I was cleaning up my house as I should be doing, but if I don’t get this letter off to you today you won’t get until the middle of next week.

Lester isn’t dressed yet, but as long as he isn’t dressed he isn’t teasing me to go up to the flat rock with him. I promised him we’d go soon and draw some mountains. He is quite interested in mama’s drawings. I did some sketching with Miss Hoffner Sunday and Lester tells every one about it. we didn’t plan on going on a picnic Sunday but I fixed a roast in the morn and had potatoes cooked. We all went to S.S. and no preacher was there so Aut says I feel like going to the sticks and Miss Hoffner said she’d like to go so she brought some things over and we went to Sunset Mountain. I enjoyed it so much. Miss H. and I sketched for about two hours. I like to sketch and wish I could learn enough about it to paint. I feel I could if I had the means to take lessons. Guess I’ll have to sell more sox?

Yes the brush woman still lives in Phoenix. We’ve had two insurance callers this week two different times. Aut says he is going to get out his sign.

Rivers wrote us a card this week and said she had heard from you. Elvin is so busy he doesn’t know when they can come up.

Aut got some flower plants from one of the R.R. men and I got some more from a woman. They were given to us. I hope it rains soon so the flowers will grow faster. Aut has the garden plot all spaded but we haven’t planted anything. If we wait much longer it will be too late to plant much.

Mrs. Strange said yesterday would be her last trip for awhile anyway. The grass was so dry that the cows weren’t giving much milk. The chickens were molting. Is the Dahlia tree still growing? Are your grapes ripe yet? We paid 18 c a lb. for some last week. It is nearly time to start a fire for dinner. Hope you are all well. How is uncle Henry standing the hot weather? I thought he might find a way up and cool off awhile. Maybe you all could come up, eh?

Here are some of Lester’s hugs & kisses. He is so lively. Lots of love, Esther & family

o x x o

Notes on some trips